Why Pima Cotton T-Shirts are Better for the Environment
Fashion production exploded after the mid to late 90s and well into the early 2000s. After a short slow down during the pandemic, things have more or less returned to normal. That isn’t the best news for our environment.
With production expected to triple by 2050 and the current fashion being responsible for roughly 10 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and about 20 percent of global wastewater, things are not exactly looking up.
The simple fact is the high availability of cheaply made clothing products that only last a short time is not doing anyone any favors. Sure the occasional throw-away tee is fun to own, but if you want a quality wardrobe, you should focus more on longer-lasting fashion choices that are a bit more eco-friendly.
A good example of this are t-shirts made from Pima cotton.
The Sustainability of Pima Cotton
We’ve already covered some of the sustainability aspects of Pima-made clothing in a previous article. For a quick recap:
Handpicked
Pima cotton is made with longer fibers than other natural fibers. That means it must be handpicked because a machine is unable to maintain the fiber length in processing. This results in less waste.
Longer Lasting
Pima cotton is naturally anti-pilling and lasts an incredibly long time in the wash. This increased durability means you don’t have to shop for new products all the time.
Better for Waste
Even if it does end up in a landfill, as a natural fiber, Pima cotton degrades much faster than a synthetic fiber.
Endless Style
Pima cotton t-shirts, especially those in classic styles and neutral colors, are a timeless fashion choice. They go with practically anything you would want to wear. You are less likely to throw away something so versatile.
What about Other T-Shirt Materials?
While it helps in understanding the basics of Pima cotton and how it can improve the environment. It also is a good idea to put all of those advantages into perspective. This means taking a look at the different popular clothing materials that are mass-produced and tossed onto shelves of big box retailers every day.
Pima vs. Polyester
Right off the bat, you know Pima wins this fight because it is a natural fiber and not synthetic. However, if you look a bit deeper, you’ll see polyester is not biodegradable. When it is thrown into the landfill, it releases toxins directly into the earth.
Tons of people love polyester because it is used in activewear and leisure clothing. That means those wonderful leggings you see around town are likely made of partial polyester. With more than 55 million tons produced annually, this is not an eco-friendly material and a guaranteed win by Pima.
Pima vs. Conventional Cotton
This is a bit more interesting of a battle because at least we’re dealing with two natural fibers. Both are well known for their softness, breathability, and extreme comfort. Both use quite a bit of water to produce, so on that playing field - things are roughly equal.
However, regular cotton uses a ton of fertilizers and GMO seeds. Roughly 10 percent of the world’s pesticides and 25 percent of insecticides used are for cotton production. Chemical fertilizers have a significantly negative impact on the environment and are nowhere near as necessary for Pima.
Pima vs. Nylon
We’re back to another synthetic, non-renewable resource - Nylon. This is made from oil-based processes that use up a massive amount of energy compared to other fabrics. It also is well-known for shedding microplastics into our waterways that eventually end up in our food and water supplies.
Then there is the emissions problem. If you want to make nylon, you have to deal with releasing nitrous oxide - a dangerous greenhouse gas - into the air. Studies have shown this gas is responsible for a significant amount of our global warming issues, so again, Pima is the winner.
Pima vs. Organic Cotton
Here we finally see a fair fight. Organic cotton is an excellent product because it has many of the same benefits as Pima. It is good for those with sensitive skin and is more durable than conventional cotton (though not as durable as Pima).
Pima cotton is not necessarily organic. The primary reason Pima is beneficial for our environment is because of its longevity. Organic cotton is considered sustainable because of eco-friendly farming and production despite a lower crop yield which requires more land resources to be used. This puts this battle at more of a draw than a clear win.
It is important to note that even most “organic cotton” clothing is not necessarily fully organic when the color dyes are considered. While organic dyes exist, they are not frequently used as they do not offer the variety and longevity of traditional dyes. Also, you will find it hard to find a truly white t-shirt that is 100% organic.
We like Pima because of its durability and the way it doesn’t fade as much as other materials, making it the perfect addition to any men’s capsule wardrobe.
Why Sustainable Clothing Matters
We see sustainability as a life choice that benefits you and the environment in the long run. You get a quality-made product that lasts far longer than cheap throw-away fast fashion, and the earth deals with less waste. Seems like a win-win.
Sustainable fashion benefits our society by:
- Using less natural resources
- Reducing our carbon footprint
- Saving animal lives
- Creating a healthier living environment
- And more!
One big area that many overlook is the mindset of sustainable clothing manufacturers. Around 170 million children are engaged in some form of garment work, and that number is worse for those in rough or dangerous working conditions related to fashion.
Sustainable fashion brings with it the philosophy of fair practice. Manufacturers are in it for the long run instead of the short-term money grab. Sure, you have your defectors, but as a whole, sustainable and ethical practices go hand in hand.
Pima to the Rescue!
Pima cotton provides a premium feel and longer lasting option when it comes to upgrading your wardrobe. It is the easy, quick decision when you need a shirt to match a professional look or to throw on when meeting up with friends for a movie.
With the incredible longevity and durability of Pima cotton, you save more money over time and get a classic look that anyone can appreciate. The earth benefits from the more sustainable manufacturing methods as well reduced waste.
If you want a sustainable fashion choice that is sure to elevate your personal style, then men’s Pima cotton t-shirts are a great place to start. Check out all the bundles available at our shop IF… THEN WELL and add a bit of eco-friendly spice to your wardrobe.